The best traffic-free bike rides around Pont-Sur-Yonne

There are over 20 dedicated no traffic road cycling routes around Pont-sur-Yonne, offering a variety of distances and difficulty levels. You'll find 12 easy routes and 11 moderate routes, ensuring options for different cycling preferences.

The routes around Pont-sur-Yonne feature diverse and pleasant scenery. You'll cycle through 'openfield-type' landscapes, verdant countryside, and often along the picturesque banks of the Yonne River. To the west, you can also find routes that venture into agricultural areas and woods, providing a varied cycling experience.

Yes, there are several easy routes perfect for beginners or those looking for a shorter ride. For example, the Grande Rue, Sens – Devil's Bridge & Yonne Bridge loop from Cuy is an easy 25.5 km route. Another accessible option is the Roadbike loop from Champigny-sur-Yonne, which covers 24.3 km.

Many routes offer glimpses of the region's heritage. You might pass by the Remains of the Old Bridge of Pont-sur-Yonne, a historical monument. Further afield, some routes connect towards Sens, where you can visit the impressive Saint Stephen's Cathedral. The riverside paths also offer views of charming towns and natural beauty.

For those seeking a longer, moderate challenge, routes like the Gravel pond loop from Champigny-sur-Yonne offer a substantial 78.5 km ride. Another option is the Soucy-et-Voisines Pass loop from Saint-Denis-lès-Sens, which is nearly 60 km with more elevation gain.

The Yonne department is generally pleasant for cycling from spring through autumn. Spring offers blooming landscapes, while summer provides warm weather for riverside rides. Autumn brings beautiful foliage, making it a scenic time to explore the 'openfield-type' landscapes and wooded areas.

Yes, the broader Yonne department is known for its 'voies vertes' (greenways) and 'pistes cyclables' (cycle paths) which are ideal for no traffic cycling. The 'Voie Verte des Bords de l'Yonne,' running between Sens and Montereau-Fault-Yonne, offers a gentle route along the river, and sections of it are accessible from the Pont-sur-Yonne area.

Many of the available routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For instance, the Aqueduc de la Vanne – Pont-sur-Yonne station loop from Champigny-sur-Yonne is an easy circular route of 32.1 km, perfect for exploring without retracing your steps.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the quiet roads, the scenic riverside views along the Yonne, and the variety of routes that cater to different skill levels, making it a great destination for peaceful road cycling.

While Pont-sur-Yonne is situated on the Yonne River, the Canal du Nivernais is located further south in the Yonne department. You would need to travel a bit to reach its dedicated cycle paths. For more information on cycling the Canal du Nivernais, you can visit France Vélo Tourisme.

Generally, 'voies vertes' and 'pistes cyclables' in France are designed for shared use by cyclists, pedestrians, and sometimes other non-motorized users. Basic rules of courtesy apply, such as keeping to the right, signaling turns, and being mindful of others. Always check local signage for any specific regulations on individual paths.